John Collins (Australian musician)

John Collins
AM
Background information
Birth nameJohn Andrew Collins
Also known asJC
Born (1970-04-27) 27 April 1970 (age 54)
Australia
GenresRock, alternative rock
InstrumentBass guitar
Years active1989–present
LabelsPolydor, Universal

John Andrew Collins AM (born 27 April 1970[1]) is the mainstay bass guitarist for Australian rock band Powderfinger since 1989.[2][3] He is one of the founding members of the band, along with guitarist Ian Haug, forming at their high school, Brisbane Grammar School, as a three-piece. Powderfinger has released seven studio albums, a greatest-hits album, and a double CD live album. After they released their first best-of album, Fingerprints, in 2004, they decided to take a break. During the hiatus, Collins played with fellow Powderfinger member Darren Middleton in his new band Drag on a number of occasions as well as performing with Ian Haug and Steven Bishop in The Predators. Collins is often referred to as "J.C." by his fellow band members, as they are his initials and to distinguish him from the group's drummer Jon Coghill. Initially, the nickname was given to him following the group's song "JC" from their second album, Double Allergic, which referred to Jesus Christ.

Appointment to Queensland Night-Life Economy Commissioner

Collins was appointed as the first Night-Life Economy Commissioner in Queensland, Australia on the 30th of September, 2024, following the creation of the role by legislation earlier that year.[4] The primary function of his role is supporting the economic development and preservation of the nightlife sector, serving as a central point of contact and advocating for live music venues, nightclubs, festival organisers, bars and restaurants, entertainment precincts, arts outlets, and local pubs to boost the economic impact of the sector and ensure long term sustainability.

Awards and nominations

Collins was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours for "significant service to the arts through music, and to the community".[5]

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA).[6]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2004 Powderfinger – Bernard Fanning, Jon Coghill, Ian Haug, Darren Middleton, John Collins Songwriter of the Year[7] Won
"On My Mind" – Bernard Fanning, Darren Middleton, Collins, Ian Haug, Jon Coghill Most Performed Australian Work[8] Nominated
2008 "Lost and Running" – Jon Coghill, Collins, Bernard Fanning, Ian Haug, Darren Middleton Song of the Year[9] Nominated
Most Played Australian Work[10] Nominated


References

  1. ^ Scatena, Dino (10 November 2011). "The Story of the Book (and Band): Dino Scatena on Footprints – the Authorised Powderfinger Biography". Readings Books. Archived from the original on 26 January 2012. Retrieved 9 October 2014.
  2. ^ Spencer, Chris; Zbig Nowara; Paul McHenry (2002) [1987]. "Collins, John". The Who's Who of Australian Rock. Noble Park, Vic.: Five Mile Press. ISBN 1-86503-891-1. Archived from the original on 11 July 2010. Retrieved 14 February 2010. Note: [on-line] version established at White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd in 2007 and was expanded from the 2002 edition.
  3. ^ Rice, Stephen; et al. (23 September 2002). "Who is in the band?". The Powderfinger FAQ. Powderfinger Central. Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 15 February 2010.
  4. ^ Department of Employment, Small Business and Training (10 October 2024). "Night-Life Economy Commissioner". Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. Retrieved 10 December 2024. {{cite web}}: |first= has generic name (help)
  5. ^ "Mr John Andrew Collins". Australian Honours Search Facility. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  6. ^ "APRA History". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  7. ^ "2004 Winners - APRA Music Awards". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 8 March 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  8. ^ "Nominations 2004". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 8 March 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  9. ^ "Nominations for Song of the Year - 2008". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 13 March 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
  10. ^ "Most Played Australian Work - 2009". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Archived from the original on 13 March 2011. Retrieved 2 September 2010.